- Light Requirement is Full Shade to Partial Shade
- Height 24-36 Inches
- Width 24-36 Inches
- Use as a filler when using in containers
- Grow outdoors or as a houseplant!
This ‘Queen’ of ferns is a relative of the quintessential Boston fern we are more familiar with which is actually a hybrid of the Australian Sword fern, or a variant of it, if you will. Unlike a Boston fern with its gracefully arching fronds, Australian Sword fern fronds are straight, upright and narrow, giving this fern a regal appearance. And, again, like the Boston fern, it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.
A native of Australia and New Guinea, Zones 9a through 11b, Kimberly Queen is grown as an annual container plant or houseplant in Zones 2-8. While it can be planted in your landscape, it performs best as a large container plant. Indoors it provides the benefit of improving your air quality and is non-toxic for pets. Kimberly Queen Australian Sword Fern is easy to care for once you have given it what it needs to be at its best.
Kimberley Queen Fern Care
Requiring moist but never soggy soil, Sword ferns do well with an average potting soil amended with peat moss to help retain moisture. Bright light to part shade, never full sun or full shade, not allowing it to dry completely out, monthly feedings with a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 diluted to ¼ or ½ strength, are about all it needs to be lush and green. Aphids, mealybugs and spider mites may infest, so treat with a mild soapy wash at the first sign of insects. Soil pH can range from 6.1 slightly acidic to 7.5 neutral.
Deadheading is not necessary. If fronds become brown and dry, they can be pruned back to the soil. Browning foliage is an indication of too much fertilizer and a dry frond may just be an older one that can be pruned. Use a sharp scissors that has been sterilized to prevent transmission of diseases. Sword ferns look wonderful in combination with caladiums, croton, superbena and petunias for a spring to fall display on your lightly shaded porch or patio.
Kimberley Queen Fern Spacing
Proper spacing of Kimberly Queen fern is important as it can reach a height of 36 inches and spread out 36 inches. Planting one alone in a large container will allow it to spread out in a mounding sphere and is quite attractive. If with other plants or massed out in your bright light indirect sun landscape, give plants 18 to 24 inches of space in between to promote air circulation and help prevent insect infestations.
Kimberley Queen Fern Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 |
Flower Color(s): Grown for Foliage |
Foliage Color(s) Green |
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade |
Height Class: Tall |
Height: 24-36 Inches |
Spread: 24-36 Inches |
Spacing: 18-24 Inches |
Habit: Mounded |
Watering: Average |
Drought Tolerant: No |
Resists: Deer, Rabbits |
Container Role: Filler |
Use Types: Container, Hanging Baskets, Houseplant |
Features: Low Maintenance, Foliage Interest, Deadheading Not Necessary |
Maintenance: Easy |
Scientific Name: Nephrolepis obliterata 'Kimberley Queen' |
Common Name: Kimberley Queen Fern |
Other Name(s): Australian Sword Fern |
Plant Type: Annual |
Brand: Proven Selections |
- SKU:
- NEPKQQT
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.